Holiday guide
Purim
Purim celebrates the rescue of the Jews of Persia told in the Book of Esther: costumes, a public Megillah reading, food gifts to friends, gifts to the poor, and a festive daytime meal.
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Israel or the diaspora?
Purim falls on 14 Adar in most places. Walled cities from the time of Joshua, Jerusalem chief among them, keep Shushan Purim on 15 Adar instead, one day later.
On the ground
What happens in Israel
Costumes everywhere for a week, street parties, and the Adloyada parades. Jerusalem celebrates a day after the rest of the country, so many people do both.
Practice
How it is observed
- Hearing Megillat Esther read, with noise at every mention of Haman
- Mishloach manot: sending food gifts to friends
- Matanot la'evyonim: gifts to at least two people in need
- Costumes, carnivals and a festive daytime meal
"Chag Purim sameach" or "Freilichen Purim"
Hamantaschen, the triangular filled cookies, and a festive seudah with wine.
Year by year
Purim dates, year by year
Every date from 2024 to 2030, computed from the Hebrew calendar. Each year has its own page with candle lighting times.
The rest of the calendar
Other Jewish holidays
8 of the 14 other holidays on the Hebrew calendar, nearest date first. Every card opens a guide with dates from 2024 to 2030.
December 5, 2026
Hanukkah
The festival of lights: eight nights of candle lighting marking the rededication of the Temple. Latkes, sufganiyot and dreidels.
January 23, 2027
Tu BiShvat
The new year of the trees. Tree planting in Israel and eating the fruits of the land.
April 22, 2027
Passover (Pesach)
The festival of freedom, marking the Exodus from Egypt. Seder nights, matzah, and no chametz for eight days (seven in Israel).
May 4, 2027
Yom HaShoah
Holocaust Remembrance Day. In Israel a two-minute siren brings the country to a standstill.
May 11, 2027
Yom HaZikaron
Israel's Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terror, the day before Independence Day.
May 25, 2027
Lag BaOmer
The 33rd day of the Omer count. Bonfires, weddings and celebrations at Mount Meron.
June 11, 2027
Shavuot
The festival of receiving the Torah at Sinai. All-night learning and dairy foods. Two days in the diaspora, one in Israel.
Frequently asked questions
When is Purim?+
The next Purim begins at sundown on March 22, 2027 and ends at nightfall on March 23, 2027. Because the Hebrew calendar is lunisolar, the Gregorian date shifts each year while the season stays fixed.
What is Purim?+
Purim celebrates the rescue of the Jews of Persia told in the Book of Esther: costumes, a public Megillah reading, food gifts to friends, gifts to the poor, and a festive daytime meal.
Does Israel observe Purim differently?+
Purim falls on 14 Adar in most places. Walled cities from the time of Joshua, Jerusalem chief among them, keep Shushan Purim on 15 Adar instead, one day later.
What is Purim like in Israel?+
Costumes everywhere for a week, street parties, and the Adloyada parades. Jerusalem celebrates a day after the rest of the country, so many people do both.